Overview
All Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN) online courses are approved by accredited Alaskan universities as 500-level (upper division), professional development courses, and are approved by the State of Alaska for teacher recertification.
Although our courses are accepted by the state as upper division level credits, they are for professional learning and typically cannot be used toward a degree or accepted as a 600-level class.
If you’re not sure what courses you’re required to complete to maintain your certification, or to qualify for certification within the State of Alaska, visit the Department of Education and Early Development’s Teacher Certification webpage.
If you are looking to use these classes to move up the salary scale, be sure to contact your district’s professional development department to ensure that your class will be eligible.
Prerequisites
Universities require that you at least have a Bachelor’s degree to register for a 500-level course. Therefore, when you register online and are selecting your highest degree earned, the only options are BA/BS, MA or higher. Do not register for a 500-level course if you do not meet the prerequisite.
Getting Started
Once you’ve selected a course, click on the “Register” button and complete the form and pay for your course. After you register, you will receive a registration confirmation email providing course information and how to start the course. Save this email for your records. ASDN creates some courses in-house and also partners with other education organizations. Our primary outside course providers are Learners Edge, Public Consulting Group (PCG), and Virtual Education Software Inc. (VESi). Your instructor or your course provider will receive a copy of your registration, and will add you to their participant list. Course login information is sent within 1-2 business days of registration directly from the provider.
Can I register at any time?
YES! Almost all of our online courses are ongoing and you can register at any time. We offer online courses that have specific start and end dates, and courses with a maximum of one year to finish. Be sure to read the course description carefully before you register.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of most ASDN online courses, within 14 days of registration, will result in a cancellation fee. This fee amount is indicated on the course registration page and can be found in the terms and conditions section of the registration confirmation email you receive after registering for a course. After 14 days, no refunds will be issued. Not all ASDN courses are refundable. If you wish to cancel a course, contact the ASDN Program Coordinator at (907) 364-3809 or email: asdn@alaskaacsa.org
When does my registration expire?
The course completion dates vary by course. For self-paced classes with up to one year to complete, your registration expires exactly one year from the day you submitted your registration form online (i.e. if you registered on May 21, 2018, your registration would expire on May 21, 2019). If you registered for a date specific course, your due date can be located in your ASDN registration confirmation email.
What happens if I don’t finish the course requirements before my registration expires?
If you’re not able to complete all course requirements before your registration expires, you will automatically receive a NC (No Credit) or NB (No Basis) grade.
Can I still get credit for a course if my registration has expired?
If your registration has expired and you still want to complete the course requirements for credit, you may register for the course again at the full registration price.
ASDN does not offer transfers between semesters. extensions or re-enrollments for courses.
How fast can I complete a course?
Only you can determine how much time it will take you to complete all the requirements for a particular course. There are some time constraints. You must, at minimum, wait one month from your registration date before a grade can be submitted to the University. We cannot issue a grade for you until you have been registered in a course for at least 30 days.
How long does it take from the time I complete a course until my grade is entered at the university?
Once you complete all your coursework and have submitted everything to your instructor –and the 30 day minimum period or grade availability date have passed– please allow up to two weeks for grading and processing. The instructor sends your grade to our office. We enter it into our records, and sends it to the the university. The university posts the grade into their system so it will show up on an official university transcript. ASDN will send you a course completion email with transcript request information after your grade has been processed.
Financial Aid
ASDN does not offer any financial aid or scholarship programs. ASDN courses are 500-level professional development courses. They are offered in partnership with accredited Alaskan universities, but enrollment in a professional development course is not the same as enrolling in a university degree program. For that reason, we can not accept most military or tribal financial aid programs.
Most school districts are ASDN Level 1 members, which provides all district employees with a reduced rate. Additionally, we partner with certain school districts on grant projects and some professional development activities may be covered through those resources.
Tax Information
ASDN is administered by the Alaska Council of School Administrators, a non-profit organization that is not an eligible “educational institution” under the 1098-T definition.
ASDN courses are offered in partnership with accredited Alaskan universities. Enrollment in a professional development course is not the same as enrolling in a university degree program. Alaska Pacific University and the University of Alaska do not provide ASDN registrants with 1098-T forms. You may use your receipt from ASDN (found in your registration confirmation email) that shows your expenditures on professional learning/continuing education for your taxes. Consult your tax professional for current information on educator tax deductions. You may request a copy of your registration invoice(s). Please email asdn@alaskaacsa.org